Neighbors: Headed back to Greenfield

I’m writing this on Monday and have the rest of the week off to move, so I won’t be around to take your calls.

I’m headed back to live in Greenfield, where I started my adult life. Grandson Justin and I can’t wait to see some of you at Beacon Field playground, Greenfield Farmers Market and other hotspots.

Please send information for Friday’s column to: anita.alice.fritz@gmail.com this week, because I won’t be in the newsroom, so won’t receive emails from work.

I saw some of you at Greenfield’s Memorial Day parade Monday morning. I was glad it appeared you were all having a good time.

I found many of you on Monday afternoon “unofficially” kicking off your summer at local parks, rivers and “creamees.”

We have so much to do here in our backyard. Go out and enjoy!

DAKIN PIONEER VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY, with the help of PetSmart Charities, is offering to spay or neuter your puppies and kittens under the age of 6 months during the month of June for $20 each.

Dakin will provide sterilizations to the first 300 appointments, so call now at 413-781-4019 or visit: www.dpvhs.org.

Please do this if your kitten or puppy has not been neutered or spayed.

Many people put it off, and by six to eight months, it could be too late, says Dakin’s Executive Director Leslie Harris. By then, a litter could be on its way.

I rescued a mommy and her one kitten a couple of years ago. They were living on the streets of Greenfield — mommy Murphy was a stray and kitten Lois was a feral. I don’t want to even think about how many litters they might both have had if I had not taken them in and spayed them.

Please mention the “Did You Know?” promotion when you call Dakin to schedule your appointment.

GREEN RIVER HOUSE at 37 Franklin St. in Greenfield will hold a tag sale Friday from noon to 3:30 p.m. The tag sale will continue on Saturday and a pancake breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to noon there to benefit activities at the clubhouse.

THE WHATELY HISTORICAL SOCIETY will sponsor a garden tour on June 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the tour, which will include five gardens varying from meadow to woodland and compact to meandering. Ticket holders will receive a 10 percent discount on plant purchases at Lasalle’s and Bay State on the day of the tour.

The Historical Society Museum at the Milk Bottle, 218 Chestnut Plain, will be open in June 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ticket sales and viewing of exhibits.

To reserve a ticket, call 413-665-4818.

KEITH DAVIES OF MILLERS RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL tells me the Blue Trail Opening Day and Cleanup was a success.

Keith said local paddlers teamed up with a youth group and its host staff from Peak Expeditions, the Greenfield-based company that is running Paddle & Spoke out of Orange Riverfront Park boathouse.

Thanks to their efforts, boaters, canoers and kayakers can start their season along clean and tidy riverbanks.

For information on council activities, contact Keith at 978-248-9491 or watershed@millersriver.net.

STUDENTS FROM JA’DUKE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS recently became stars of their own Disney Show as part of the Disney Performing Arts Program.

The local performing center’s junior and senior performance troupes traveled to Epcot and Downtown Disney Marketplace to take part in Disney Dancin’ programs and a couple of special presentations.

WHATELY LAND PRESERVATION has just announced its third biannual “Capturing Whately” photo contest, do submit up to three photos (black and white or color) by Sept. 30 of special Whately scenes, people or events.

You could win a prize! They’re giving $50 gift certificates for first places.

There will be two divisions, adult and junior, which is 14 years old and under. As many photos as possible will be displayed in the Dickinson Memorial Library beginning Oct. 2.

OUR NEIGHBOR DAVID A. CULLITON of Greenfield has been ordained by Springfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnel as a deacon for the Diocese of Springfield. David is a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenfield.

Prior to his ordination, he completed four years of academic and formation training.

David was to receive his parish assignment at his ordination.

Congratulations Deacon Culliton!

OUR GREENFIELD NEIGHBOR YANGCHEN TSMETSO SITHIR, a seven-year employee of the United Arc, has been named “Employee of the Year.”

Yangchen received the honor during the organization’s award ceremony last week. She was commended for her work “on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and their families.”

Congratulations Yangchen!

Also, Lisa Harris, another Greenfield neighbor, who also happens to be the president of the United Arc board of director, was awarded for her volunteer service to the organization.

Congratulations Lisa!

And finally, The Greater Athol Area Advocates for Families with Special Needs presents awards at the United Arc ceremony, as well. David Chevalier and Leslie Kinney also received recognition.

To contact Anita Fritz, a staff reporter at The Recorder, send an email to: anita.alice.fritz@gmail.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 280 or call her cell at 413-388-6950. You can also reach Anita on Facebook at Anita’s Neighbors. Information to be included in Neighbors may also be sent to: neighbors@recorder.com up to noon on the day before you want it to run.